Page 3 of Blocking Her Love

Before I can pull away, Maya joins us, her arms around us both. “That’s a wonderful surprise, Sean. Guess that means you’re going to be putting us through extra reps to work off the bon bons. I don’t care. If the chocolate is good, it’s worth it.”

At the same time we each take a step back. Sean’s hand lingers against my side a moment before he clears his throat. “I’ve been assured it’s the best. Family owned, got the recipes from a great grandmother or something like that.”

“Ooh.” Grinning, Maya claps her hands. “Maybe there’ll be a welcome basket when we check in. Or chocolates on our pillows.” Her serious expression returns. “That might be dangerous, though.”

Sean takes another step back and strides toward the house while speaking over his shoulder. “Then I probably shouldn’t tell you that there’s also an artisan cheese store next door.”

“Chicken,” she calls after him then takes my hand. “Come on, let’s eat. All this talk of food…”

I let her drag me inside then go through the motions of reheating leftovers. But my mind is stuck on Sean’s reaction to my hug, and mine to how nice his hand felt. I don’t understand. It’s not like we never touch. Why was this time different?

Every time I glance toward him, his gaze skitters away. He’s watching me and there’s that something hidden in his eyes that I’ve noticed before. Maybe if I had the time to study his expression, I could figure it out. He looks away too quickly or focuses on something else so I never have the opportunity.

All these unknowns leave me jittery. It’s not like pre-match nerves. More like I’m expecting something. I wish I had some idea what that might be.

Wishes don’t make things happen. Hard work does. Once we’re settled and preparing for the tournament, I’ll push my training. Work harder. Maybe longer if needed. Banish those questions and focus only on the game.

I can’t think of anything more important right now than winning.

three

Sean

It’s beenthree days and I can’t banish the memory of how Ellie felt in my arms. How much I really wanted her to kiss me. And to kiss her back. Three long, fucking days dreaming of the woman I want but can’t have.

The only remedy, besides solo time in the shower, is to stay busy. Really busy.

We’re settled in at our new rental. Even though they have to share a bedroom, they have their own bath. Makes it easier for me when I have the luxurious privacy of my own ensuite. The place is great and the entire city is welcoming and excited for the tournament. The public is knowledgeable and the team’s been recognized and celebrated. It’s been difficult to find places on the public beach to practice without people gathering to watch.

Ellie seems to be taking the fame in stride but for some reason my sister is having a difficult time with the notoriety. It’s starting to affect her game. Nothing major and nothing that most observers would notice. I’ll give her another day to get herself settled into the routine before I have to confront her.

Last night I discovered a local bar on the beach that’s off the radar of most nonresidents. They have a relatively private area of the beach already set up for the local volleyball leagues. Since they host local tournaments the courts are regulation and well maintained.

Why no other incoming pro team has contracted with them for practice time is nuts. Not that I’m going to spread the word. The longer we can keep our training relatively private, the better.

Barely after dawn, I pull into the nearly empty parking area. The only other vehicle belongs to the bar owner and she joins us as we unload our practice gear.

“Hey,” she says in greeting. “Welcome to the Sandy Sipper. I’m Nyla. Nice to meet you finally in person.”

I shake her outstretched hand. “Sean. This is the team, Maya and Ellie. Thanks for allowing us to use your sand for practice.”

She grins and gives a tiny wave to the girls. “No problem. Just keep us informed when you’re here and we’ll try to keep the crowds to a minimum. Once it becomes public knowledge you’re practicing here I’m sure the curious will show up. If it gets to be too much of a problem, my husband Paxton has some contacts in security he can call in.

“Bar’s closed today but we’re here working. Just come up to the deck if you need anything. If you show up around eleven thirty, we’ll treat you to lunch… I’m trying to figure out a couple specialty items to serve during the tournament. Umm, unless you have some training dietary restrictions or something.”

Carrying a net bag filled with balls, Ellie moves to my side. “That sounds fabulous. Thank you. Not having to go back into town and find a place to eat will give us more time on the sand.”

That’s my girl, always in training mode.

“Great,” Nyla says. “Feel free to order from the bar at any time we’re open. Our treat.”

Maya shakes her head. “We can’t take advantage of you like that. We’ll pay.”

Waving away the offer, Nyla says, “Having you using our little section of the beach is good publicity for the bar. Folks will come to watch your training and stay for a drink or food. That’s a win for us. So, we’re even, okay?”

Her fake glare makes me chuckle. “Okay. We’ll try not to cause too much uproar while we’re here.”

Staring toward the beach, Nyla shrugs. “I’m guessing that it’ll stay pretty quiet here for two or three days at least. From the talk I’ve heard, right now people are more interested in watching the tournament organizers bring in the sand and set up the main courts and bleachers.” She shakes her head. “All this good sand on the beach, and they bring in more.”

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